Scorecard

Northwood faced Kings Langley in a match for which the result had no bearing on league positions. Kings Langley were already down and Northwood were safe in lower midtable. Kings Langley are going through what can only be described as a transitional stage and at the moment on the downward side of the curve. I am sure they will come back.

Noachie won the toss and elected to bat. Nuss and Brockers opened the batting and took full advantage of some friendly bowling. Young Martin Sills steamed in from the Gate end (probably wished he was in the gate) but was more effective off his short run up off 4 paces. The youngster at the other end was somewhat wayward, not helped from some vocal “support” from dad behind the stumps and he was replaced by Jaduanath.

Nuss then was adjudged LBW from the Pipe Smoking Umpire at the gate end who felt sorry for Sillsies efforts to one that seemed to be creeping down the leg side, for a stand of 58. Razzle then came in and missed a straight one and Noachie joined Brockers to add further to the score. Brockers was soon LBW on his way for a well crafted 46, which included some nice shots, but one moment of poor judgement.

Rosscoe joined his brother and proceeded to punish the KL attack to all parts. Noachie was deceived by a straight one for 20 but with Steve Hussey (13), the pair put on 50 for the next wicket before the keeper caught one standing up off Percy. PC Murph came in and showed his usual class that without nets and practice he can still put the ball in the road. Let’s hope for more games from him next season. He finished on 32 as Northwood closed on 259 for 6 in 45 overs.

An excellent tea from Mrs Knowles followed, cakes scones et al, and Northwood returned to the field determined for an early finish before the End of League Season Party.

It seemed that KL couldn’t wait for the season to end. Noachie opened the bowling with pace from one end. Jimbo at the other bowled the opener fourth ball, Ronnie Patel then finally caught one at wide mid off with great celebrations. KL’s overseas then took on Brokers strong arm from the boundary as he took two towards the hill to be run out by inches. Then the Stussmeister got in on the act. Noachie induced an edges from 5 and 6 and Stuss dived full length in front of Raz at first slip to poach the first one, then he caught one off the inside edge, going the wrong way. To say he was quite delighted is an understatement. The Husseys down on Alec’s bench cheered vociferously.

KL’s Skipper, Kevin Rolfe was being stubborn, and Noachie brought on Gobbo. He lulled him into a false sense of security bowling four longhops (16 runs) followed by a half volley which he hit straight to Murph. Three card trick! Gobbo will have you think he played for that, but I don’t think so! Gobbo then bowled Percy who looked to launch him into the Gate and missed, Stuss got another catch to make it 3. This brought the Svelte Martin Sills to the crease. He was by this time extremely thirsty wanting a cider, and warned Reggie to be ready for a catch, which he duly obliged. Very amusing. Noachie taking 5 for 19.

Northwood finished 14th out of 20 this season, not good enough for Northwood. We must improve next year.